27 : 5 : 16
Aidan Moffat documentary film hits cinemas - see p3 Record ticket sales for Orkney Folk Festival - p4 :: Tony McManus returns to Paisley after 15 years - p11
'Off The Record' Event Announced For Edinburgh For Young Musicians Concert promoters, band managers, record label representatives and journalists are among the key music industry figures set to share their knowledge at the 'Off The Record' day, which takes place at the Drill Hall in Edinburgh on Saturday 2 July. The event sees organisers Born To Be Wide partner with #artcore and Out of the Blue as part of the Edinburgh Youth Music Festival, celebrating the breadth of opportunities available for young people across the city. Open to anyone aged 14-25, Off The Record will provide advice sessions focusing on key aspects of the industry, including releasing music, getting/organising gigs, promotion and working in the business. Confirmed speakers include: Stina Tweeddale (musician, Honeyblood), Amy Ferguson (producer, BBC Radio Scotland), Nicky Carder (promoter, Beyond Presents), Craig Gornall (blogger, Alive and Amplified), James Bruce (promoter, PCL Presents), Martyn Flyn (label director, Lucky Me), Michael Lambert (artist manager, A Modern Way) and Chris Beltran who works as an A&R Scout for Atlantic Records and a booker at DF Concerts. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
A young audience engages with Off The Record hosts Michael Lambert and Olaf Furniss in 2013
“It can be hard for musicians and those interested in working in the business to take their first steps when it comes to releasing and promoting their music, as well as getting their first gigs,” says Michael Lambert, co-director of Born To Be Wide, the company which organises the day. “Off The Record aims to provide the basic knowledge to get started and helps to introduce the next generation of artists and professionals to those on the coalface in the Scottish music business.” Previous events have led to attendees getting work placements, gigs and national media coverage and speakers are hand-picked to be relevant to the audience. #artcore project manager, Johnny Gailey adds: “The ethos of giving young people the information, tools and contacts to get on with their creative endeavours within a professional context chimes perfectly with what we do. It's a fitting finale to the month-long Edinburgh Youth Music Festival we are working on with a wide range of partners, and we hope the attendees will leave bubbling with ideas and energy of what their next steps in music might be."
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Aidan Moffat's re-interpretations of old folk songs in cinemas from 17 June Paul Fegan’s first feature documentary follows Scottish cult-pop raconteur and former Arab Strap frontman Aidan Moffat as he tours Scotland in 2014, performing his modern reinterpretations of old folk songs and is released in UK cinemas from 17 June. It was meant to be a tour that celebrated communities and lore, but just before they hit the road, Fegan met Sheila Stewart: a 79-yearold force of nature, the last in a line of travelling folk royalty, and a balladeer whose life – and unexpected death, in 2014 – upturned Moffat's folk assumptions, and diverted the course of Fegan's film. The ensuing film is a warm-hearted journey through music, mortality, landscape and time. It's also a moving, wry and enlightening depiction of two of Scotland's most distinct and vital voices, as they cross paths (and words): Moffat believes Scotland's oldest songs are ripe for re-working against a contemporary urban backdrop. Stewart does not. The film includes the final interview and performance footage of Sheila Stewart, the last in line of a celebrated family of gypsy travellers, the Stewarts of Blair, who date back to the 12th Century. Says Paul Fegan of his initial encounter with Sheila Stewart: “When I met Sheila, I was blown away. She was fierce, and passionate, and brilliant company – and I loved her stories about her life, and family, and songs. As soon as I introduced Sheila to Aidan, I realised that Aidan had met his match, and it quickly became apparent that their relationship, and their quiet humour – not to mention their conflicting beliefs as to how music should be treated – had to be at the very heart of the film.” The cinema tour will kick off with a full band performance from Moffat and the musical stars of the film, including James Graham (The Twilight Sad), Jenny Reeves (Bdy_Prts), Stevie Jones (Sound of Yell), Michael John McCarthy,
and traditional bothy ballad singers Joe Aitken, Geordie Murison & Danny Couper – at Sheffield Doc/Fest on 12 June. The event tour that follows will take the film to 18 cities and towns throughout the UK where screenings will be followed by a Q&A with director and producer Paul Fegan and a solo performance by Aidan Moffat.
compelling performer, lyricist, author and storyteller, the former Arab Strap singer won 2012's Scottish Album of the Year Award for his collaboration with Bill Wells, Everything's Getting Older. His latest album with Bill Wells, The Most Important Place In The World, was released last year.
Sheila Stewart MBE (1935-2014) was Scotland's definitive ballad singer. A storyteller and 'Where You’re Meant To Be' will be screening in traveller who was born in a stable in Blairgowrie, 40 cinemas from 17 June, for full listings go to she honed her voice while berry picking in www.whereyouremeanttobe.com The film will be Perthshire, sang for the Pope and performed in available on iTunes from 1 July. the White House, and her tales and songs and Paul Fegan's debut short documentary, Pouters lore found friends in the likes of Hamish (2012), won countless awards including Best Henderson, Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl. In Documentary (Jury Award) at London Short Film the foreword to Stewart's 2011 autobiography, A Festival, Best Film (Audience Award) at Hamburg Traveller's Life, storyteller Jess Smith called International Short Film Festival and Best Stewart “the vibrant heart of Scotland's Scottish Short Film (Jury Award) at the Glasgow travelling folk”. Short Film Festival. He also directed Moffat and http://whereyouremeanttobe.com/ Wells' promo video for The Copper Top. www.facebook.com/whereyouremeanttobe Aidan Moffat is one of Scotland's most distinctive https://twitter.com/aidanjohnmoffat musical and literary voices. A
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WHAT'S
HOT
HUGH KELLY
from the latest releases to reach us ....
www.HughKellyMusic.com
EDDI READER
Alt.Blues/Soul musician, Hugh Kelly found his ‘big’ voice busking on the streets of Edinburgh in his teens. Now 21, his debut EP combines intricate songwriting, catchy melodies & a sense of raw emotion. MNS absolutely love this!
www.eddireader.com
DROPKICK
Featuring material from across Eddi’s prestigious 30 year recording career, it includes the acoustic pop of 1988's Perfect (Fairground Attraction), up to her 2015 versions of Moon River and Amy Winehouse’s Love Is A Losing Game
www.dropkickmusic.co.uk
CLAIRE HASTINGS
'Balance the Light' is Dropkick's most varied collection of songs, showcasing their unique harmony-driven alt. country powerpop. “.....blending almost equal parts alternative, indie-pop, folk and country.” - Maverick Magazine
music news scotland
Curtain Up On Another Record Breaking Orkney Folk Festival The team behind the Orkney Folk Festival were once again toasting a record-breaking year, ahead of the event's official opening on Thursday 26 May. Sales for the four-day festival’s 34th outing had already surpassed the event’s previous highest figure, set just twelve months ago, with over 6,600 tickets sold in advance of the weekend’s festivities. This figure marks the second year of substantial audience growth, with 2015 being the first in which the festival exceeded 6,000 tickets, and a full ten per cent increase on the previous record. Of the 35 events on offer, between Thursday and Sunday, 22 have already sold out – again, the highest number of advance sell outs ever, across the event’s 34 year history. The festival board – headed up by artistic director, Bob Gibbon, and chairperson, Elaine Grieve – attribute these sales to a combination of the visiting line-up of artists, as well as the ever-increasing national standing that the festival holds, boosted substantially by nationwide coverage and profiling on BBC Radio2’s The Folk Show in May 2014, whose production team, and presenter, Mark Radcliffe, visited two years ago. This year’s visiting line-up boasts world renowned Chicagoan fiddler, Liz Carroll; Mercury-nominated Tyneside sister act The Unthanks; leading Gaelic songstress, Julie Fowlis, Finnish fiddle septet, Frigg; Scotland’s reigning Live Act of the Year, at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, RURA; and Acadian trio, Vishtèn, based in Canada’s Prince Edward Island – to name just a few of the eighteen inbound acts. They will welcomed – and outnumbered two to one – by Orkney’s thriving local folk scene, which includes nationwide festival showstoppers, The Chair; the internationally renowned fiddle and guitar pairing of Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley; Celtic Connections award winners, Gnoss; stalwarts and festival favourites, Hullion; and the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards Club of the Year, the Orkney Accordion and Fiddle Club, who will perform at Thursdays opening concert, in the Stromness Town Hall. In all, some 55 acts will grace one of the festivals
many stages over the coming weekend, welcomed by an entirely voluntary workforce and management team. Standout events include Orkney’s first ‘military tattoo-style’ event, The Northern Isles Festival Tattoo – featuring over 200 performers from Orkney and Shetland, just days before the county host the national commemorations on the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Jutland – as well as renowned Orcadian singer-songwriter, Ivan Drever’s sixtieth birthday celebrations, where he will be joined by a hand-picked band of musical friends and special guests.. Over the next four days, two thirds of all events will take place in the festival’s home town of Stromness, with others rotating amongst other parishes and islands within Orkney. On Friday, the festival will visit Sandwick, Harray, Orphir, Sanday and Shapinsay, followed by Deerness, Birsay, Kirkwall and Finstown on Saturday, and Quoyloo and Kirkwall on Sunday afternoon. Artistic director, Bob Gibbon said: “Everything’s now more or less in place for another very exciting weekend. Bands have started arriving in Stromness, and some of our international visitors have already been out to entertain school bairns. The festival really is a community affair, stretching out to many corners of the isles, and with leading worldwide names alongside mainstay community projects integral to the continuation of Orkney’s own traditional music. “It’s also true to say that the festival has its own, ever growing and warmly welcoming, community with audiences coming back year after year. Yet again we have been blown away with not just how many tickets have sold, but that it’s been another substantial increase on last year. It’s definitely going to be a busy one - we can’t wait.” Chairperson of the Orkney Folk Festival board, Elaine Grieve added: “We seem to say this every year, but we really cannot take in just how well tickets have sold this year – yet again! When the entire festival workforce is voluntary, such continued and consistently growing support is hugely rewarding. “I daresay that nobody working on the festival would do so were it not for the joy and truly unique atmosphere that it brings to Stromness and the isles – and as much as the team can plan what looks like a cracking weekend, on paper, it all comes down to the audience and folk turning out in their droves. Our crowds really do make the festival special. Whether it’s for their 34th or first time, we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
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www.clairehastings.com Whether Claire is singing in the tradition, about her home, sharing life experiences or interpreting the works of Robert Burns and William Douglas, there’s an enduring sense of beauty, in both vocals and music." - Folkwords
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The Chair from Orkney are amongst local musicians who will welcome visitors : www.lovethechair.com
photo by Raymond Besant
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SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE
............
member profile : Anna Meredith "The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community"
Fans of classical music will most certainly be familiar with Scottish Music Centre member Anna Meredith. Some of her achievements include; Composer in Residence with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, winner of the 2010 Paul Hamlyn Award for Composers and RPS/PRS Composer in the House with Sinfonia ViVA.
Her composition ‘Connect It’ was an integral part of the BBC’s awardwinning Ten Pieces scheme which involved more than half of all UK school children working on it. Meredith is also a regular TV and Radio guest, and her music has been, [and continues to be], performed in concert halls worldwide, as well as being used in fashion campaigns, films, installations and broadcasts. But while her classical music credentials are impressive, Meredith only just released her debut album ’Varmints’ [out via Moshi Moshi / PIAS] on 4 March 2016. The album has already been described as ‘genredefying’ and together with her live band, consisting of fellow classical musicians, it combines electronica, contemporary classical and experimental rock and pop. Meredith and band have performed a live session on Vic Galloway’s BBC Radio Scotland show, and secured five star reviews across the board including Pitchfork, The Guardian, Scotland On Sunday and The National. Varmints’ has also been long-listed for this year’s Scottish Album of the Year Award 2016. Her schedule for 2016 is jam packed including various festival appearances, touring her debut album, including; Field Day Festival, Glastonbury, Pohoda Festival [Slovakia], Lowlands [Netherlands] plus Latitude and End of the Road Festivals. New composition ‘Anno' is premiered at the Oval Space in London from 6-7 June 2016 by Scottish Ensemble [combining Vivaldi Four Seasons with accompanying visuals by her sister Eleanor Meredith]. There is also a new piece for the Kronos Quartet, pieces for Big Band, remixes, arrangements and film work including new music for Jaques Audiard’s latest film Dheepan. www.annameredith.com www.scottishmusiccentre.com/anna-meredith/ www.sayaward.com/the-albums/anna-meredith-varmints/
Anna Meredith : photo by Kate Bones
Anna Meredith at BBC Ten Pieces : photo by Guy Levy / BBC
www.scottishmusiccentre.com : https://twitter.com/scottishmusic : www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre The Scottish Music Centre currently supports in excess of 100 composer, group/small business and corporate members. Offering a wealth of advantages, initiatives include the bi-monthly Composers' Digest and Exposed Melodies podcast series, regular networking events and notification of valuable opportunities, extensive publicity and increased correspondence with national companies, chamber ensembles, soloists and festivals.
For further information, please contact 0141 552 5222 or visit: www.scottishmusiccentre.com
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the mns collection ….
Stirling's ‘Strange Behaviours’ presents Three Blind Wolves Going out with a bang for the last of the monthly Strange Behaviours indie/alt nights at the Tolbooth before the summer break, we welcome back the reincarnated Three Blind Wolves with two local supports we’re really excited about - Fairweather & The Elements + Ghost Writer.
In support are Fairweather & The Elements, a breezy soulful indie ensemble built around the songwriting of Ross Fairweather, plus the alternative/folk sounds of Falkirk’s Ghost Writer.
“Making this bill one to remember are the two local bands I’ve been following the progression of for a while. This will be the full live debut of Fairweather… so it’ll be brilliant to finally see the few songs we’ve been treated to online, in a live context. Ghost Writer are one to watch too – their first EP Returning reimagined and raring to go, Three ‘Outskirts Vol.1’ takes you on a proper Blind Wolves are back. Taking the last 3 journey, a band of indie/folk storytellers with years to regroup and rebuild, the band have more than a few hooks up their sleeves.” moved on from the harmony-laden folk of The monthly Strange Behaviours nights at 2013’s ‘Sing Hallelujah for the Old Machine’ the Tolbooth run from September – June, so towards something more punchy, electrified and light-hearted. Employing the engineering this will be the last before the summer break. Bringing in the likes of Hector Bizerk, and drumming assistance of Chris McGarry Randolph’s Leap, Stanley Odd and United (Washington Irving, John Knox Sex Club) Fruit, it’s arguably the biggest indie/ combined with the mixing skills of Andy alternative band night in Stirling. Monaghan (Frightened Rabbit), the result is forthcoming EP ‘The Bridge’, offering a new maturity in the songwriting and hooks built for the radio.
“This’ll be a fitting way to see things out while we take a summer break. Plans are already starting to come together for the relaunch in September though, and of course Music Development Officer at the Tolbooth, Kenny Bates said: “Really great we’ll be back with the 2 day multi-stage to be welcoming back Three Blind Wolves for Strange Behaviours Festival in November, this one. They’re no strangers to these parts, with a couple of added twists…”. their previous sorta spine-chills harmonised Tickets on 01786 274 000 or at folk-pop going down well in the past. So it’s www.culturestirling.org/tolbooth exciting to see where they’ve gone with their sound. The stellar songwriting is still there, www.facebook.com/threeblindwolves as is Ross’ distinctive vocal, but with more of www.facebook.com/fairweatherelements1 a feel-good indie pop vibe.” www.facebook.com/ghostwriterband www.facebook.com/strangebehavioursstirling
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Musician who strikes a chord with all the guitar greats heads back to his roots for Paisley date One of Paisley's greatest cultural ambassadors is set to make a long-overdue return to the town of his birth to perform in the run up to the big push for City of Culture 2021 status.
Tony McManus is widely recognised around the globe as one of the finest guitarists on the circuit. His fan list includes luminaries such as John Renbourn, Tommy Emmanuel and Steve Howe - guitarist with progressive rock giants, Yes. These days, McManus lives in Canada where he regularly performs in front of huge crowds. When not gigging in North America, you'll find him touring in Australia, Japan or Eastern Europe where he has also acquired guitar guru status. It's all a long way from the days he spent performing for a few pounds after he picked up his first instrument and taught himself to play aged seventeen, after leaving school with ambitions to make it as a musician. Tony McManus has come to be recognised throughout the world as THE leading guitarist in Celtic music. Self taught from childhood, initially through listening to the family record collection, he abandoned academia in his twenties to pursue music full time. The session scene in Glasgow and Edinburgh provided the springboard for gigs, and a studio session for BBC Radio Scotland that is frequently re-broadcast, kick-started a journey that has led him to gain major status. Talking to MUSIC NEWS Scotland from his home on the other side of the Atlantic, the busy musician revealed that it is an astonishing fifteen years since he last performed in his home town. “Of course, I have been back on many occasions to spend time with my family but when you are constantly on the road – or in the studio working on the next project – life kinda gathers its own momentum and you end up swept along with that pace,” he said. To say he has been working flat out is something of an understatement. Quite apart from the constant stream of ‘live’ work, he is also in great demand as a studio musician having contributed to over SIXTY different albums! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the release of his debut album. His 1999-issued follow-up gained him worldwide recognition, but it was with the release of Ceol More in 2002 that his stature as a Grade A performer was finally sealed. Having been nominated as Musician of the Year by both the BBC Folk Awards and The Scottish Traditional Music awards, the album ended up on many critics' end-of-the-year best-of lists. Since then, he has won invitations to appear at some of the most prestigious international 'live' music events and each year he participates in the Chet Atkins Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2004 he appeared at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in the “All Star Guitar Night” featuring some of the top players in the business, and headlined by the legendary Les Paul. An enthusiastic collaborator he has worked with some of the most influential names in the roots music world, including Dougie McLean and Phil Cunningham. His 2009 release “The Makers’ Mark” saw him showcase 15 of the finest luthier-built guitars available. Recording a solo piece on each instrument, the project caught the attention of the mainstream rock guitar press in a way that acoustic work rarely does. The following year, he contributed music to the soundtrack of Oscar-winning director Neil Jordan’s film “Ondine” starring Colin Farrell. His global contribution was recently recognised with a Gold Medal,
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“It’s going to be so good to catch up with everyone,” Tony said.
“It’s been too long!”
after readers of Acoustic Guitar Magazine voted in their thousands to have his achievements honoured. His recorded work regularly crops up in TV and radio documentaries and Tony has earned the respect of all of the present-day guitar greats. On top of all that, Alan Neave, the country’s foremost classical player, has invited him to perform at the Dundee International Guitar Festival three years in a row - the only non-classical player to do so - and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, organized a special seminar to bring his music to the attention of classical guitar students who were fascinated by his approach. Right now, though, it’s fair to say that he is still better-known in the USA than he is on his native soil. Recalling those early days when he first embarked on the journey that has brought him such rich rewards, he said: “I started playing guitar in 1975. I had an older cousin, Louis McManus, who was also born in Paisley but moved with his family to Australia in the early Sixties. Louis was a well-known multi-instrumentalist over there, and my first chords on the guitar were learned just before he and his father visited Paisley – for a big family a reunion. “Louis jnr seemed to be like an exotic rock star to me at the time and his playing- guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle etc., seemed to my young ears to be from another planet! “He played in the UK several times with Australian legends The Bushwhackers and when he left was eventually replaced by Tommy Emmanuel, who has coincidentally become a friend. “Louis was there to advise when I got my first guitar. It cost £12 from a pawn shop in the East End of Glasgow.” Tony is back in the UK to appear at a couple of summer festivals and local roots music agency Brookfield-Knights asked him if he would like to have date in his home town and he was delighted to
GIGnotes ..... Tickets for the Paisley event which takes place at The Wynd Auditorium on Sunday, July 10 are on sale now (£12/£10consc and £6 under16s) from 0345 130 5218 or PACE Box Office, Spires Drama Studios, School Wynd, Paisley.
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Argyll-inspired album, 'In the Wild Country' for Creative Scotland Talent Development Project MusicMakesMe In the summer of 2015, eight professional musiciancomposers from Argyll were brought together to record an album in a village hall on the banks of Loch Fyne with Scottish musician Joe McAlinden and Grammy award-winning sound engineer David Donaldson. Conceived as a Talent Development project for musicians in Argyll by Creative Director of The Walking Theatre Co., Sadie Dixon-Spain, the result is a richly diverse and engaging set of songs released as the album ‘In The Wild Country’. Of the two Gaelic tracks on the album, each sung by Joy Dunlop (PanCeltic Traditional Singer of the Year 2015), Is Duine Me, exemplifies the project’s collaborative approach, with an arrangement developed by Joe, Joy and Nick Lewis (on slide guitar) from the clarsach prologue composed by Pippa Reid-Foster (2013 BBC Radio Scotland Young Trad. Musician semi-finalist). If You Were A Bird was brought in by Eddi Price as a single couplet and melody accompanied by an evocative arpeggio. The producer’s approach provided Eddi with the structure and inspiration to write the lyrics overnight. As Joe said, “The result, when Eddi came back in the next morning, was unexpectedly haunting and lovely.” A fragile soundscape recording by Clair Tierney on Islay during her honeymoon provided the initial rhythmic counterpoint to a riff David Fee had been playing about with for a while. With another layer added by Eddi Price on her guitar, David remembered a lyric he’d written a while back about the attractions of alcohol called Gravity Is Calling. This began a Clair Tierney, Alana-Kathryn Mathers, Nick Lewis, David Fee, Martin Toye process in which the song metamorphosed into a weird but enchanting and Eddi Price. All were living or working in Argyll at the time of the duet of love between himself and Clair. sessions. With high levels of musicianship and wildly contrasting styles from hugely varying traditions, the sessions were an outstanding success, with Joe and David both declaring themselves delighted with the results which provide real insight into the vibrant and varied state of Argyll music.
The award-winning Walking Theatre Company is based in rural Argyll and produces acclaimed work all over Scotland. Its unique brand of interactive ‘walking’ theatre literally takes audiences on a journey, both physically and creatively, walking through any environment. Sadie Dixon-Spain, Founder of the Walking Theatre Company, was chosen by Creative Sadie Dixon-Spain commented, “Ours is an area of outstanding beauty, … yet immersion in this extraordinary setting also brings isolation, Scotland to lead its Talent Development Initiative in Argyll. distance and disconnection. Many of us find it extremely hard to continue The album is available to purchase via the MusicMakesMe.scot website, to develop our work and practise … which is why it was a huge privilege to downloadable via iTunes, and available on Spotify. bring this group together.” The ‘Into The Wild Country’ album was recorded in its entirety at Strathlachlan Village Hall, in the Cowal Peninsula, and the musicians who contributed to ‘In the Wild Country’ are Joy Dunlop, Pippa Reid-Foster,
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Joy Dunlop was one of the musician's involved with 'Into The Wild Country'
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Two fiery Nashville daughters head for Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms in June Two fiery and talented chips off old blocks, but these daughters are doing it for themselves. Hannah Aldridge and Lilly Hiatt are performing at the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh as one of just three Scottish dates in a 4 week European tour, finishing at Maverick Festival. There are few artists that can truly encapsulate the essence and true range of Americana like Muscle Shoals artist Hannah Aldridge, whose musical pedigree precedes her and speaks for itself. She is the daughter of Alabama Music Hall of Famer Walt Aldridge, one of the most prolific songwriters of the modern musical era, including no. 1 country hits for Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell and Travis Tritt among others. Hannah’s debut album Razor Wire was released
Hannah Aldridge in 2014, with songs reflecting how much life she has lived in her 28 years. Her ups (her 8-yearold son, Jackson) and downs (rehab, divorce, bad relationships) providing more than enough inspiration for that, and her next album (recording later this year). Her previous UK tour found her devoted fans, and resulted in a showcase at 2016 Americana Music Association UK Awards in London in February (hosted by Bob Harris). With a dark, sultry, soulful voice and sounds ranging from blues in the Mississippi Delta to the dusty, Dixieland jazz sounds from New Orleans, the musical stylings of Muscle Shoals on up to the primitive roots of American Country music, Hannah Aldridge leaves no inspiration or influence untapped. East Nashville firebrand Lilly Hiatt describes her music as the majesty of melancholy, accepting the sadder aspects of life and finding some peace in them. Her father is the famously eclectic singersongwriter John Hiatt, whose tunes have been covered by Emmylou Harris, Nick Lowe, Willie Nelson, and Bob Dylan, among others. Lilly being herself means playing songs that are sharply witty, brutally frank, and musically
Lilly Hiatt
adventurous. And mostly she'd rather rock than mope! Singing in a barbed lilt full of deep worry and gritty determination in equal measure, she conveys emotions too finely shaded to be easily named, yet will be familiar to any listener who’s had their heart broken or has broken a heart. Her new album (her second) Royal Blue is released on 3 Jun 2016. In the intimate and atmospheric Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy this promises to be a very special gig indeed! GIGnotes: 21 June, Hannah Aldridge and Lilly Hiatt at The Voodoo Rooms, West Register St, Edinburgh. 8pm. Tickets £10 (+b/f in adv), £12 on the door or at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/2530465
www.hannah-aldridge.com https://twitter.com/HannahCAldridge www.lillyhiatt.com T https://twitter.com/LillyHiatt1
web @ http://stowedoutfestival.org.uk/ fb @ www.facebook.com/stowedoutfestival
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page 15
www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk facebook @ www.facebook.com/Stonehaven-Folk-Festival-241183992686719 tweet @ https://twitter.com/stonehavenfest
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www.perthshireamber.com fb @ www.facebook.com/perthshireamberfestival tweet @ https://twitter.com/PerthshireAmber
www.innerleithenmusicfestival.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/innerleithenmusicfestival tweet @ https://twitter.com/InnerleithenMF
to advertise email Carol @ carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
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music news scotland
THE LOFT SESSIONS #03
Welcoming back local musician 33 years after last Falkirk gig! The 3rd Installment of Falkirk's 'The Loft Sessions' will take place on 3 June, and after the success of the first two 'Sessions' the show will now take place on a Friday night slot to get your weekend off to a flying start! The regular event showcases local artists with a strong focus on the Falkirk music scene - from fresh new talent through to the more established players on the circuit. The Loft Sessions #03 is a perfect example of this range of acts with two brand new bands to hit the scene and a third visitor with a very old local connection. Frontman of The Projection Stewart Cuthill has been in bands in Falkirk from as far back as the 1960’s up to the Eighties. He last played a gig in Falkirk 33 years ago in 1983 at what was then Burns Bar with Deft Jerks. Working in Glasgow for the next 30 years he has been involved in music throughout this time - organising events,
Grim Morrison : photo by Rachael Skinner Photography
including a youth festival at the Barrowlands, and building a recording studio in north Glasgow. Beatroute, the project he started in 1994, was awarded the Lord Provost's Award for 'Services to the Community' in 2015. In 2011 with members from this group he started gigging again playing in The Projection.
Make sure you don't miss these guys. GIGnotes ..... Grim Morrison, The Projection + Bootsie Blue. At Behind the Wall, Melville Street, Falkirk. Tickets are available now from www.afterglowmusic.uk priced £4 or pay at door available (£5, or £3 for students), doors open 7;30pm. Event page @ www.facebook.com/events/512677108919832
On the flipside, The Loft Sessions #03 will also be hosting two of the newest bands in the local scene with 3 piece groove rock band Grim Morwww.facebook.com/grimmorrisonofficial rison fronted by local hero James McManus, www.facebook.com/The-Projection-197450340268447 backed up by two talented musicians with Meg www.facebook.com/BootsieBlue Kenny on bass and Scott Hanlon on drums.
www.afterglowmusic.uk
The other band is another trio with rhythm rock band Bootsie Blue whose influences include the www.facebook.com/afterglowmusicfalkirk Jesus and Mary Chain, Kasabian and The Doors.
Bootsie Blue
www.johnmccusker.co.uk
web @ www.johnmccusker.co.uk tweet @ https://twitter.com/johnmccusker
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music news scotland
· · · · ·
Musical Theatre Festivals Concerts Tours Album Releases
page 17
Make your music headline news with Deborah Welsh Commercial Media Specialist PR and publicity consultant based in Scotland
www.deborahwelsh.co.uk T: 07788 101465 : E: deborahwelsh@icloud.com linkedin @ https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/deborah-welsh/23/8b2/25b facebook @ www.facebook.com/DeborahWelshCommercialMedia
www.almostbluepromotions.com facebook @ www.facebook.com/AlmostBluePromotions tweet @ https://twitter.com/AlmostBlueGigs
www.summerhall.co.uk
events @ https://southsidefringe.org.uk/events fb @ www.facebook.com/southsidefringe
fb @ www.facebook.com/summerhalledinburgh tweet @ https://twitter.com/NEHHSH
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page 18
music news scotland
Christina Bianco - Me, Myself & Everyone Else - on tour in Scotland Three’s A Crowd Productions has announced the long awaited one-woman show featuring US singing sensation, Christina Bianco. Me, Myself & Everyone Else is set to paly four Scottish dates. Broadway and West End performer Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm has brought audiences around the world to their feet. Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 23 million views. A woman of many voices, she’s performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Paul O’Grady Show, This Morning and Graham Norton on BBC Radio 2. Christina said: “After playing in London and Edinburgh, I’m thrilled to finally perform for the rest of Great Britain. I’ve been overwhelmed by the amazingly supportive and enthusiastic audiences. I’m especially excited about travelling up and down more of this beautiful country and meeting more of my fans along the way” Through her soaring vocals and spot-on impressions, the show will feature Christina’s greatest ‘fan favourites,’ along with new material celebrating the world’s most iconic vocalists and pop-culture personalities from yesterday and today. Audiences can expect an exciting selection of pop, standard & Broadway tunes, sung in Christina’s own voice as well as in the voices of the great divas themselves. Christina will also present her hilarious ‘unlikely interpretations’ that pair a singer and song you wouldn’t expect. Ever wonder what Shirley Bassey would sound like singing Adele’s ‘Hello?’ Or a soulful duet of ‘Under Pressure’ between Julie Andrews and Christina Aguilera? Me, Myself & Everyone Else is certain to be unlike any show audiences will have seen before and with hundreds of impressions to choose from and lots of audience participation, each performance brings something new. From Ariana Grande to Cheryl Cole to Celine Dion, no celebrity is safe.
GIGnotes ..... Christina Bianco - Me, Myself & Everyone Else. At Ghillie Dhu, Edinburgh, 22-27 August / Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen, 9 September / Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow, 10 September / Gardyne Theatre, Dundee, 11 September. Tickets are available from the venues direct or @ www.christinabianco.com
www.christinabianco.com
https://twitter.com/XtinaBianco1 www.facebook.com/ChristinaBianco
weekend tickets available now @ www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ullapool-Guitar-Festival/201560546591552
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music news scotland
page 19
www.killinmusicfestival.com tickets @ www.killinmusicfestival.com/get-tickets fb @ www.facebook.com/killinmusicfestival :: tweet @ https://twitter.com/KillinMusicFest
to advertise email Carol @ carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
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music news scotland
got a 'music news' story to tell? then email our newsdesk: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
DAVE ARCARI :: album :: 'Hellbound Train' release date - 10 June @ www.davearcari.com
Scottish alt.blues troubadour Dave Arcari marks the release of his new EP Hellbound Train with live shows in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Released on Buzz Records on Friday 10 June, the EP features three new tracks from Arcari plus a version of Son House’s classic Pearline. The live dates are The Tunnels, Aberdeen (Thursday 9 June), Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh (Friday 10 June) and The Hug & Pint, Glasgow (Saturday 11 June). The new songs will be previewed at a special live in-store at Big Sparra Vinyl, Ayr on Sunday 5 June (2pm). Other than the release of McPherson’s Lament as a digital single to mark Burns’ Day earlier in the year, this is Arcari’s first release in three years – and pre-empts a full-length album Givers & Takers which is scheduled for an Autumn release. “I’ve been working on a whole bunch of new songs for a while,” says Arcari. “But despite plans to record and release them long before now, things have been so busy on the road there just hasn’t been time – not that I can complain about that!” Hellbound Train will be launched at a series of three Scottish shows – Then in July Arcari will play Fat Sam’s, Dundee (Friday 1 July), Clark’s, Dundee (Saturday 2 July), The Blues Kitchen, Camden, London (Tuesday 12 July), The Cluny, Newcastle (Wednesday 13 July), Fibbers, York (Thursday 14 July) and Reading (Friday 15 July). Right after the England dates, he heads to Estonia for a short tour including Parnu Blues Festival before another run of UK shows in September and a US tour (October/November) to be announced soon. Watch a short video introduction to Dave at http://www.youtube.com/ davearcari
www.davearcari.com photo by Liz Aitken
https://twitter.com/davearcari www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic
FOREIGNFOX :: single :: 'Monsoon' release date - out now @ www.soundcloud.com/foreignfox
Foreignfox caught everybody off guard when they first arrived onto the Scottish music scene back in 2014 with their heartbreakingly honest debut Yoghurt, taken from the We Float Like Sinking Ships EP. From the last note of the EP’s title track to new single Monsoon, we not only hear what feels like a natural evolution of the band’s sound but also a conceptual one. It is everything you would want from a Foreignfox track – gut wrenching lyrics, raw vocals, and massive choruses, yet on a much bigger production scale than before. Monsoon narrates the unravelling thoughts of a man who has lost his faith and has been brought back to life to endure this philosophical dilemma. A theological examination
of someone on the edge of their sanity, lost within their own head – unable to find peace. The devastation of Jonny Watt’s lyrics arrives with the direct, paralyzing notion that the tortured character he dissects could be anyone, under the wrong circumstances. ‘...to something made up, or is it someone in my head? That I only speak when my eyes are black and red, or if there’s someone close to death, or I’m dead.’ - A profound expression of how many agnostics/ atheists and even those brought up
within religious backgrounds view their relationship with a higher power - it is merely used as a last resort to ask for help just on the off chance of its existence. A style of song writing which holds no selfpreservation in its authenticity - as we have come to expect from Watt. The alt-indie post-rock (now 5 piece) band from Dunfermline, Scotland have toured their fair share of the UK over the past couple of years. Previous festival appearances at the likes of Belladrum, Wickerman, Stockton Calling and Electric Fields have set
them up for this year where they join the already stellar line up at Kendal Calling in July, Twisterella in October as well as a third consecutive year at Scotland’s leading industry music & arts showcase festival, XpoNorth. Monsoon is a clear stand out from their incredibly dynamic live set, while fitting in well with old favourites at the same time. The beauty of Foreignfox is the brutally honest hard hitting lyrics, and moody guitar tones, combined with the uplifting - and at times life reaffirming choruses. It is mesmerising to watch how tight the 5 piece are live, and Jonny’s stage presence makes you believe he means every word he says. This is only a taster of what is to come from these guys in 2016, as their full sophomore EP is due to be released later in the year. www.facebook.com/Foreignfox https://twitter.com/ForeignFOXX
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page 21
www.clairehastings.com gig info @ www.brookfield-knights.com/up-coming-tours.html artist @ www.russelldecarle.com
fb @ www.facebook.com/clairehastingsmusic tweet @ https://twitter.com/ClaireHastings1
www.veloninos.com
web @ www.deanowens.com
iTunes @
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cotton-snow-dave-coleman-single/id1094837025
www.birnamcdshop.com
www.amazon.co.uk
buy album @ www.veloninos.com/shop/ fb @ www.facebook.com/veloninos
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new releases
music news scotland
page 23
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download ROSIE SULLIVAN
ANGELA PATERSON
Wonderland
Down To The River
EP cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Album - cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Throughout the album, Angela’s stunning vocal harmonies soar, a newly found and defining quality in Rosie Sullivan is young singer /songwriter from the her individual style. Although influences of country, soul Isle of Lewis. After winning a national competition and pop all join together in Down to the River, Angela’s last year she has grown in confidence and maturity island roots are never far beneath the surface. John and has compiled her first EP of her original Saich, former Capercaillie bass player and guitarist, and material. She has performed live at Wembley in Wild Biscuit co-producer Mags Russell have created March this year and is active in the local music and multi-layered arrangements on tracks such as Don’t Say Hi, Yesteryear and the title track Down to the River performance scene. She launched her EP reminiscent of many of the classic singer-songwriter "Wonderland" at An Lanntair Arts Centre in albums; on others such as Wax Doll and Closing Doors Stornoway on the 25 May. a contemporary acoustic approach puts the emotion up close and in the moment. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/user706914125/sets/wonderland
Available from: Free download or £5 for CD available at 'Rosie Sullivan Music' facebook site @ www.facebook.com/rosiesullivanmusic/ www.facebook.com/rosiesullivanmusic
Listen/Watch: www.angelapatersonmusic.com Available from: www.angelapatersonmusic.com/store.html All major online retailers and in stores across Scotland through Highlander Distribution www.angelapatersonmusic.com www.birnamcd.com/promo-angela-paterson/
RACHEL ALICE JOHNSON Safe Island
single download Release Date: 27 May
Rachel Alice Johnson returns with her third single. Since being selected for Creative Scotland’s ‘Verden Studios Demo Project 15’, Rachel has been steadily winning over critics with her contagiously catchy melodies, with her next single ‘Safe Island’ set for release on 27 May. Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqfieiiDuOU Available from: http://apple.co/1V6vYcq www.twitter.com/rachyjohnson www.facebook.com/RachelAliceJohnsonArts
www.facebook.com/Angela-Paterson-1079279085416991/
ALASTAIR SAVAGE
HUGH KELLY CHAMBERLAIN & HAYWOOD
Give Me All Your Love
Alone With History Album - cd / download Release Date: 23 May
'Alone With History is Alastair Savage's 4th album release and his first completely unaccompanied fiddle recording. Recorded in the historic surroundings of Crathie Kirk in Royal Deeside, the album features 18th Century melodies by Niel and Nathaniel Gow alongside music by 19th Century master James Scott Skinner. The recording also includes a tribute to Rabbie Burns alongside Savage's own unique compositions dedicated to the great Scots fiddle composers of the past.' Listen/Watch: www.alastairsavage.co.uk/music.htm www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0GUT5uL4BQ www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVXSChKEeUI Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com / www.amazon.co.uk www.amazon.com / www.alastairsavage.co.uk iTunes, Google Play, Amazon MP3, Scottish Music Information Centre, shops via Highlander Distribution www.alastairsavage.co.uk
First Impression Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
With a fresh take on world music the duo take their instruments on an international tour - enjoy the sultry sounds of the Tango, the rhythmic drive of the Balkans, with riproaring tunes from Russia and Scotland. Virtuoso playing and fresh musical ideas, Paul and Michael explore the potential of their instruments in a way that is exciting and engaging. The result is a vibrant, intriguing and occasionally explosive mix of music that crosses cultural boundaries. Listen/Watch:
https://soundcloud.com/paul-chamberlain-2/sets/chamberlain-haywood
Available from: www.amazon.co.uk iTunes, Amazon MP3, www.chamberlain-haywood.com Google Play, in stores through Highlander Distribution www.chamberlain-haywood.com https://twitter.com/_Accordionist_ www.facebook.com/chamberlainhaywood
EP download Release Date: Out Now
Alt.Blues/Soul musician, Hugh Kelly found his ‘big’ voice busking on the streets of Edinburgh in his teens. Now 21, his debut EP combines intricate songwriting, catchy melodies and a sense of raw emotion. “an extraordinary voice that ranges from the crunch of steps on a pebbly British beach, to a soaring heavenly and slightly whiskeysoaked angel’s falsetto” Arun Kendall, www.BackseatMafia.com Listen/Watch: www.HughKellyMusic.com/music www.soundcloud.com/HughKellyMusic Available from: iTunes + Spotify www.HughKellyMusic.com www.Twitter.com/HughKellyMusic www.Facebook.com/HughKellyMusic
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download ALLAN MACDONALD & NEIL JOHNSTONE The Bruce 700
Album - cd - Release Date: Out Now This CD is the culmination of a much earlier celebration, in music and song, of ‘The Wallace’ in 2005, by way of a commission from Alasdair Campbell who was then with The Tolbooth Music and Arts venue in Stirling. This was followed by another commission by Carolyn Paterson in 2014 to celebrate another icon of history of whom we know a good bit more than the former, Robert de Brus of Norman French stock, the 14th C warlord who became King, regaining Scotland’s place as an Independent nation. This orchestrated progression of music ranges from an arrangement of a classic traditional pibroch theme, in its most appropriate animated and rhythmic presentation, to specially composed and arranged pieces. Melodies are presented on a range of pipes in several different keys, overlaid and blended with percussion, clarsach, cello, soprano saxophone, violin, whistle and vocals. Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.amazon.co.uk / www.amazon.com www.birnamcdshop.com
EUAN DRYSDALE
MARS PATROL
Songs from the Boarwood
Human Condition
Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Album / cd / download Release Date: 29 April
The Mars Patrol have been honing their stirring alternative rock sound over a series of rapturouslySongs From The Boarwood is Euan Drysdale’s received EPs and singles. Now it’s time for their first second CD release. It is a collection of heartfelt album "Human Condition". The album is crammed full and uplifting songs inspired by reminiscences on of songs more melodic than a spaceship full of growing up in a Scottish town.The 10 songs on Nightingales that stick in your head like a recurring Songs From The Boarwood are all original Drysdale dream you won't ever want to wake up from. Recorded between the Capitals of both Scotland and England compositions. They are a seamless mix of folk, respectively and mixed by Tim Palmer (U2, Goo Goo blues and ballads. The three musicians work Dolls) and Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro, Twin sensitively together to create a tasteful acoustic Atlantic), the Album is entirely crowd funded by The sound that is the perfect sound-world for such Mars Patrol's mega-loyal legion of international fans evocative, lyrical and beautiful songs. the reward of relentless touring and maintaining enthusiastic online relationships. Listen/Watch: www.euandrysdale.co.uk Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/themarspatrol Available from: www.soundcloud.com/themarspatrol www.euandrysdale.co.uk Available from: iTunes, Amazon MP3, Google Play www.themarspatrol.com + iTunes + Amazon www.euandrysdale.co.uk
www.facebook.com/Euan-Drysdale-254923697865597
www.themarspatrol.com www.twitter.com/themarspatrol www.facebook.com/themarspatrol
CAROLINE GILMOUR
CLAIRE HASTINGS MULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Electric Waterfalls
Between River and Railway Album cd / download Release Date: 29 April
Since winning the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year title in 2015, folk singer Claire Hastings’ debut album Between River and Railway has been hotly anticipated. The album features exciting arrangements of traditional folk songs alongside Claire’s self-penned material. The songs are brought to life with band members Jenn Butterworth (guitar & vocals), Laura Wilkie (fiddle) and Andrew Waite (accordion) as well as guests Martin O’Neill (percussion) and Duncan Lyall (bass). Throughout the album, whether Claire is singing in the tradition, about her home, sharing life experiences or interpreting the works of Robert Burns and William Douglas, there’s an enduring sense of beauty, in both vocals and music. (Folkwords)
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/cfESHtRcRRE https://clairehastings.bandcamp.com Available from: www.clairehastings.com bandcamp, iTunes and Amazon MP3 as well as selected stores from 29 April www.clairehastings.com www.twitter.com/ClaireHastings1 www.facebook.com/ClaireHastingsMusic
Dear Satellite Album cd / download Release Date: 8 April
Dear Satellite was produced by Grammy award-winning Dom Morley, known for his work on Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, as well as working with Adele, Grinderman and Sting. He also produced Colin's first album on Xtra Mile Recordings, City Awakenings released in 2012. The album is ten tracks of floating, positive, textually diverse pop songs. Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/_d_BK5-1PVk Available from: Xtra Mile Recordings: http://smarturl.it/DearSatellite-XMR Amazon: http://smarturl.it/MHS-DearSatellite iTunes: http://smarturl.it/DearSatellite-iTunes http://mullhistoricalsociety.com/ https://twitter.com/MullHistorical www.facebook.com/mullhistorical
EP cd / download / 7" vinyl Release Date: 25 March
This is an exciting new 4 track EP release that is a departure from my usual sound and has been heavily influenced by my love of pop music. I worked with the incredible Jud Mahoney (Justin Timberlake, Usher, Michael Jackson) who produced this EP, and it's also the first time I have included a co-written track on a release, working with Jud and hitmaker John McLaughlin (Busted, Westlife, Bay City Rollers). 'Love this soaring piece of perfect Adult Pop. Fantastic songwriting and beautiful vocal delivery" - John McLaughlin Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/carolinegilmour https://carolinegilmour.bandcamp.com https://www.youtube.com/user/caggyg Available from: https://carolinegilmour.bandcamp.com iTunes / Amazon Vinyl via Apollo Music, Paisley www.carolinegilmour.com https://twitter.com/CGilmourMusic www.facebook.com/CarolineGilmourMusic
music news scotland
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scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download PAUL TASKER
DAVID ALTAIR
ASHTON LANE
Cold Weather Music
B-Sides
One Kiss Later
David Altair has just released his 6th album entitled ‘B-Sides’. This is some work that was previously never released and is quite rare. The album has quite a psychedelic feel to it especially ‘we can’t stop now (the Wall)’. The album flows into a journey of ambient sounds and experimentation.
Ashton Lane are part of a new wave of homegrown modern country music originating in the UK and are sure to expand their growing fan base this year. The single One Kiss Later is out on 29 February 2016 Ashton Lane consist of Esther O’Connor and Tim O’Connor. The band performs as a duo but at times as a three piece when Graeme Duffin (Wet Wet Wet) joins them as guest guitarist. The band has a romantic back story, being husband and wife and also come from fine musical stock. Esther O’Connor’s musical heritage however spans right back to her childhood. She remembers being out on tour at only five years of age with Elton John on his US tour accompanying her Dad’s band Wet Wet Wet.
Album cd + download + vinyl Release Date: Out Now
This is Doghouse Roses' guitarist Paul Tasker's first solo album. An all instrumental album peformed on fingerstyle guitar and clawhammer banjo with flute, flatpicked guitar, cello, pedal steel guitar and percussion. The 10 tracks are musical responses to both real life and imagined events and largely have a folk or old time Americana feel, but with 2 guitar duets adding a jazz tinge. Listen/Watch: https://souncloud.com www.youtube.com Available from: www.paultaskermusic.com https://paultasker.bandcamp.com www.paultaskermusic.com https://twitter.com/pntasker www.facebook.com/paultaskermusic
Album download Release Date: Out Now
Listen/Watch: https://davidaltair.bandcamp.com/album/b-sides www.youtube.com/user/TheDavidaltair/ https://davidaltair.bandcamp.com Available from: https://davidaltair.bandcamp.com/album/b-sides https://davidaltair.bandcamp.com
DROPKICK
Single / download Release Date: Out Now
Listen/Watch: www.ashtonlaneofficial.com/#video Available from: www.ashtonlaneofficial.com www.ashtonlaneofficial.com https://twitter.com/ashtonlane www.facebook.com/esther.oconnor1
VÉLONIÑOS THE STRANGE BLUE DREAMS
Balance The Light Album cd / download / vinyl Release Date: 25 March
'Balance the Light' is Dropkick's most varied collection of songs, showcasing their unique harmony-driven alt.country powerpop. “Their music has an originality about it that defies explanation.....blending almost equal parts alternative, indie-pop, folk and country.” Maverick Magazine. 'Balance the Light' will be launched with two special German shows in April, followed by Scottish dates: 21/4 Clark's, Dundee, 22/4 Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, 23/4 13th Note, Glasgow. Listen/Watch: https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com YouTube Available from: itunes, amazon, spotify, google play, apple music and other digital sites. Available from: Coda Music (Edinburgh), Love Music (Glasgow), Assai Records (Broughty Ferry, Dundee), Wall of Noise (Haddington), Vinyl Frontier (Dunbar) www.dropkickmusic.co.uk www.facebook.com/dropkickmusic www.twitter.com/dropkickmusic
Veloninos
Album / cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Reverberatin' Love EP cd / download Release Date: Out Now
The Strange Blue Dreams present their debut EP, three songs that passionately distil the various golden ages of popular song into a unique and exciting new sound. Menacing drums and surf-noir guitars, a cowboy anthem with a dash of Bollywood and Sun Records hillbilly beat, and a Scots air peppered with Balkan drama.
The Véloniños; From way out West Port Glasgow and beyond. Their musical influences firmly rooted in americana, rock ‘n’ roll, country and rockabilly, Inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins and The Everlys, to name but a few. This is the debut album from the group, featuring all six tracks from their previously released digital EP and four brand new tracks. “We’d like to think there’s a little of who we are and where we come from in the songs too, Levengrove Park, Helenstown and These Quiet Lands are all relevant to where we live and we hope you’ll enjoy this album for what it is: a no nonsense rockin’ record in all its different guises.” Listen/Watch: www.veloninos.com YouTube
Listen/Watch: https://holysmokesrecordsuk.bandcamp.com YouTube
Available from: www.veloninos.com amazon / itunes
Available from: iTunes http://holysmokesrecordsuk.bandcamp.com/ Love Music, 34 Dundas St, Glasgow G1 2AQ.
www.veloninos.com www.facebook.com/veloninos https://twitter.com/veloninos
https://twitter.com/@the_SBDs
www.facebook.com/thestrangebluedreams
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download DUNT
ROMAN NOSE
CELTIC VOYAGE
Between Punk Rock and a Hard Place
Jacked Up On Mercy
Various Artists
Glasgow’s finest purveyors of sadomasochistic, masked electronica, Roman Nose return to our radars with the release of much anticipated 4 Track E.P. ‘Jacked Up On Mercy' via their own Badly Built Records label. This is bass-heavy, dark and dirty electronic music dipped in futuristic territory, full of pounding synths and driven electro beats.
An enchanting collection of Celtic moods with haunting uilleann pipes, magical harps, fiddles, accordions, guitars… from Ireland, Scotland and Brittany. Beautiful and atmospheric songs, ballads and laments conjure an atmosphere of mystery and magic, reminiscent of the music to the film “Titanic” or to “Riverdance”. Features 2016 Grammy Nominee for Best New Age Album, Catherine Duc [Voyager, MG Music], performing the self-penned song ‘Owen’s Boat.’
EP / cd Release Date: 1 April
After near self-destruction, Edinburgh's Skate Punks are back via the Infinite Hive music label, with five fast, melodic, punk rock tunes on a variety of subjects that shape our everyday misery. Featuring DUNT's nihilistic sense of humour and cutting riffs and rhythms, this is their strongest EP yet. Listen/Watch: https://dunt.bandcamp.com/ Available from: https://dunt.bandcamp.com/ Google Play Music' Amazon mp3, iTunes, Spotify http://infinitehive.com/shop.html VoxBox Music, 21 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge Elvis Shakespeare, 347 Leith Walk, Edinburgh Vinyl Villains, 5 Elm Row, Edinburgh http://infinitehive.com/dunt/ www.facebook.com/dunttheband/ https://twitter.com/DUNTTHEBAND
EP download Release Date: Out Now
Listen/Watch: https://romannose.bandcamp.com https://soundcloud.com/roman-nose-1 Available from: iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify etc https://soundcloud.com/roman-nose-1 https://twitter.com/RMNOSE www.facebook.com/romannosemusic
CARA
Album cd Release Date: 25 March
Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w5vCqfsjJg Available from: http://geni.us/2h50 www.arcmusic.co.uk/shop/index.php
WHISKY KISS SARAH HAYES
Yet We Sing
Album cd / download Release Date: 15 January
Born of a love affair with Celtic music, Cara features four of Germany’s finest traditional musicians, with Scottish singer-songwriter Kim Edgar, delivering an innovative blend of trad/new material, and twin lead vocals. Touring Scotland: Celtic Connections 27th, Eden Court 28th, Carnegie Hall 29th, Queens Hall 30th Jan 2015. Listen/Watch: Live trailer @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQmLTW1W6G4 Yet We Sing Promo @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhXUjwMvvuc Available from: www.cara-music.com www.cara-music.com www.facebook.com/caramusic www.twitter.com/caramusic
sexySOUNDS Woven
Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Sarah released her début album, Woven, to widespread acclaim in November 2015. This inventive, emotional music explores the relationship between experience and identity; setting traditional words to new tunes and new tunes to traditional forms, tying them together with recurring themes in ‘an utterly compelling tapestry’ (Folk Radio UK). Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/sarah_hayes www.sarahhayes.bandcamp.com Available from: www.sarahhayes.net/shop/ www.sarahhayes.bandcamp.com Love Music (Glasgow) Coda Music (Edinburgh) www.sarahhayes.net www.facebook.com/sarahjhayesmusic www.twitter.com/sarahhayes_
Album cd / download Release Date: 18 January
Debut album from World Record Breaking band Whisky Kiss. Unusually for a Scots trad band debut album, sexySOUNDS by Whisky Kiss includes 3 tracks used by Visit Scotland, 2 tracks that are Guinness World Records & 1 iTunes no1 (debut single Jocks Revenge topped the charts in Uruguay & Luxembourg) Listen/Watch: www.whiskykiss.com Available from: https://itunes.apple.com www.amazon.co.uk www.whiskykiss.com https://twitter.com/twistedtartan www.facebook.com/Whisky-Kiss119642618071059
music news scotland
page 27
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download DEADLY INSCRIPTION
TOY TIN SOLDIER
THE RISING SOULS
A Testament To Sin
Yield
Yardbird
EP CD + Most online streaming/download services Spotify, Itunes, Amazon, Deezer, Release Date: 26 February
Album - cd / download Release Date: 26 February
Toy Tin Soldier is a Scottish indie rock singer songwriter Joe Gallacher, formerly of Mr.Kil. A solo journey supported by a revolving door of incredible support A Testament to Sin is the product of the last year musicians he has worked with over the years, whilst of work from the newly formed line-up. It's a touring with the likes of Hue & Cry, Turin Brakes and collection of fictional tales of dark characters and Martha Wainwright. scenarios, we used the titles as a basis for the Gallacher was born in the outskirts of Glasgow in the creation of the tracks, and made a conscious effort small village of Blantyre. Born into a working class family, music became an escapism from the realities of to keep the E.P out of any sub-genre/category being a teenage in the 90’s. Pretty soon he was in love with all sorts of bedrock music, particularly rock, blues, Listen/Watch: country and of course the 90’s Brit Pop era. Inspired by www.soundcloud.com/deadly-inscription melodic Kings such as Noel Gallagher, Bruce www.youtube.com/deadlyinscriptionband Springsteen and more recently Foy Vance. Available from: Listen/Watch: www.deadlyinscription.com www.youtube.com http://thegrimstore.bigcartel.com/products Available from: All Major Digital Outlets iTunes and all download mediums. www.facebook.com/deadlyinscription www.toytinsoldier.com/ https://twitter.com/DIMETALUK https://twitter.com/toytinsoldier www.deadlyinscription.com www.facebook.com/toytinsoldier
DJANA GABRIELLE
Album cd Release Date: Out Now
The Rising Souls are a thumping blue eyed soul band from central Scotland. They have been met with universal praise throughout the UK, Europe and more recently NYC. Their second album 'Yardbird' is a mesmerising blend of country, blues and soul. Frontman Dave Archibald displays a powerhouse vocal reminiscent of Frankie Miller and Otis Redding. Supporting Dave are Roy 'Kelso' Laing on bass and Tom Reed on percussion. Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/DNSnsV6sLNA Available from: Amazon www.therisingsouls.com www.facebook.com/therisingsouls https://twitter.com/TheRisingSouls
JOSEPHINE SILLARS DUKE OF NORFOLK
That Very First Day EP download Release Date: Out Now
Debut EP from the French Cameroonian singer-songwriter. Recorded in Glasgow in the space of 2 days, the EP is an introduction to Djana Gabrielle's rich songwriting and melodies. Ethereal and soulful, « That Very First Day » is the promising debut from an artist to follow. Listen/Watch: Spotify http://open.spotify.com Youtube (Dance with me) www.youtube.com Available from: https://itunes.apple.com www.amazon.co.uk www.djanagabrielle.com www.facebook.com/DjanaGabrielle www.twitter.com/djana_gabrielle
Vincent There Is a Train (and a platform at either end) EP download Release Date: 5 January
Intended as a brief companion to The Duke of Norfolk's album Three Days From the Wolf Month, There Is a Train (and a platform at either end) takes the shape of a journey. The EP employs sounds suggestive of train travel alongside The Duke's characteristic guitar and banjo to reinforce the themes of wandering and to frame a picture of life from birth to death.
single download Release Date: Out Now
‘Vincent’ was written after Josephine discovered that Vincent Van Gogh ‘used to eat yellow paint to make his insides happy’. An upbeat song about beating hearts, serotonin highs and yellow walls, played on piano, xylophone and drums, 'Vincent' is launched at the world famous King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in December. Listen/Watch: https://josephinesillars.bandcamp.com https://itunes.apple.com
Listen/Watch: https://thedukeofnorfolk.bandcamp.com YouTube Soundcloud
Available from: https://josephinesillars.bandcamp.com https://itunes.apple.com
Available from: https://thedukeofnorfolk.bandcamp.com
www.josephinesillars.com www.facebook.com/josephinesillarsmusic https://twitter.com/josephinehere
http://thedukeofnorfolk.com/ https://twitter.com/thdukeofnorfolk www.facebook.com/thedukeofnorfolk
page 28
music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download AMY RAYNER Two Years Long
EP cd / download Release Date: 28 February Amy Rayner is a singer songwriter from St. Andrews, Scotland, who's relatable and honest lyrics blend amicably with her memorable, soaring melodies. Her new EP 'Two Years Long' is a very personal work that centres around the three stages of a relationship, beginning, middle and end, and features a fusion of genres from folk and pop to country and blues. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/amy-rayner www.youtube.com/user/amyraynermusic https://amyrayner.bandcamp.com/ Available from: Spotify + buy on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Rhapsody, TIDAL and Deezer www.amyrayner.co.uk www.facebook.com/ AmyRaynerSingerSongwriter https://twitter.com/amyrayner
IMAGINARY SILVER COAST CREATURES
Seasons
EP cd / download The Butterfly’s Dream Release Album Date: 13 November cd / download ReleaseEP Date: This forOutusNow has been
a long time coming. were lot of Imaginary CreaturesThere is a virtual band, a a studio project formed by the collaboration of lyricist different emotions present when and songwriter David Scott and producer and itmulti-instrumentalist was written and we are Iain McKinna. The Butterfly’s Dream is their debut album. Guest incredibly happy with the sound musicians include guitar ace Keith More, of it andlegend the Fraser way Speirs the songs harmonica and ex- can Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Clements. relate to a number of different situations in people's life's. We Listen/Watch: www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures are so proud of this record! Available from: Listen/Watch: Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw www.soundcloud.com/silvercoastmusic-1 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK www.YouTube.com/silvercoastmusic www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK http://amzn.to/1heO9qD Available from: also coming soonBig on Cartel itunes + spotify iTunes, Amazon, Facebook: www.facebook.com/silvercoastmusic www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 https://twitter.com/silvercoastband
CHARLOTTE HATHAWAY BOREAS Ahoy Hoy & MIKE VASS Album (featuring Mairi Campbell) The Dead Stations
Album - cd / download - Release Date: 11 March “The whole forest has this feeling of going on forever. And if you lose track of the train line then you’re lost..." A story told through original music and audio drama featuring new songs by Mike Vass performed by haunting vocalist Mairi Campbell. Dead Stations are out of use platforms on a remote train line through the forested mountains. It’s a story designed to be listened to: a mystery about loneliness and the mind, inspired by a train ride through Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest and abstract ideas about Little Red Riding Hood.
cd / download Release Date: out now
'Like sun on the sea surface.' 'A haunting, ethereal bridge between cultures.’ (Sunday Herald) AHOY HOY, is the eagerly awaited debut album from Boreas, shaped by spanning the expanses of the North Sea. In this recording the band have created something both warm and sparse, shadowy and glistening, simple and intricate, it is indeed a glorious debut.
Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/unroofedrecords https://youtu.be/Mp5vjZJ1tic
Listen/Watch: www.boreasband.bandcamp.com
Available from: www.mikevass.com + www.unroofed.com
Available from: www.boreasband.bandcamp.com www.islemusicscotland.com
www.facebook.com/vassmusic www.unroofed.com www.mikevass.com www.charlottehathaway.com
IMAGINARY FREELAND BARBOUR CREATURES
The Music and the Land Album cd Release Date: Out Now
This CD sampler is intended as an The Butterfly’stoDream accompaniment the book The Album Music and the Land, a journey of cd / download words, photography and melody Release Date: Out Now through the lands that have Imaginary Creatures is a virtual band, a studio inspired Freeland Barbour’s project formed by the collaboration of lyricist and songwriter David Scott and producer compositions. The sampler and multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna. The contains 14 tracks taken from Butterfly’s Dream is their debut album. Guest recordings over the ears musicians include guitar acepast Keith 35 More, harmonica legend Fraser Speirs and exand illustrating some of the music Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Clements. from the book. It is available for Listen/Watch: £5, or free with each copy of the www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures book. Available from: Available from: Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw www.bonskeidmusic.com www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK and Freeland’s live events www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK Book @ http://amzn.to/1heO9qD www.freelandbarbour.co.uk/shop.htm also coming soon on itunes + spotify www.bonskeidmusic.com Facebook: www.freelandbarbour.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 www.birlinn.co.uk/Music-and-the-Land.html
www.boreasband.com www.twitter.com/boreasband www.facebook.com/boreasband
IMAGINARY STEAL THE SUN CREATURES
Somewhere, Sometime Debut Album cd / download The Butterfly’s Dream Release Album Date: 4 December cd / download Release Date:conceived Out Now Originally as an
idea to change the face of music forever. Imaginary Creatures is a virtual band, a studio Steal Sun have forgedoftheir project the formed by the collaboration lyricist and songwriter David Scott and producer and way into the spotlight by infusing multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna. The many genres and Butterfly’s Dream isand theirinfluences debut album. Guest musicians include ace to Keith More, a evolving theirguitar music create harmonica legend Fraser Speirs and exbeautiful and addictive sound.' Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Clements. Listen/Watch: Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/stealthesunuk www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures www.reverbnation.com/stealthesunuk Available from: Available from: Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw www.stealthesunuk.bandcamp.com www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK www.facebook.com/stealthesunuk for hard copy www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK http://amzn.to/1heO9qD https://twitter.com/StealTheSunUk also coming soon on itunes + spotify www.facebook.com/stealthesunuk www.reverbnation.com/stealthesunuk Facebook: www.instagram.com/stealthesunuk www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 www.stealthesunuk.bandcamp.com
music news scotland
page 29
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download AMY DUNCAN
BREABACH
FINN ANDERSON
Undercurrents
Astar
Uncharted Lands
Album cd / download / vinyl Release Date: 19 February Undercurrents is somewhere to the left of folk-pop with rich string arrangements, gorgeous harp and bass, and interesting drums and percussion. You will find emotional songs exploring themes of mental health, dissociation and hallucinatory experiences; self acceptance and letting go to the flow of emotions to find real love and connection. Releasing on my own label Filly Records. The vinyl is being licensed to Diverse Vinyl. Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/GhEBe0kS_80 https://youtu.be/IWyLVw0OmOs
Album - cd / download Release Date: 11 March After a whirlwind five years traversing the globe, Breabach are delighted to present their fifth studio album, Astar (tr. distance/journey). Inspired by the people and places they have encountered, iconic venues and festivals performed at and the exciting, at times groundbreaking, collaborations they have been involved in. These experiences have brought new shape to their sound whilst simultaneously strengthening their identity. Astar is a multicultural celebration, embracing the music of four nations in partnership with their own. The band have invited friends from Norway, Quebec, Australia and New Zealand to be part of this recording, all of which has been brought to life under the guidance and production of Greg Lawson.
Available from: Listen/Watch: Pre-order from Pledge Music: http://breabach.bandcamp.com www.pledgemusic.com/projects/amy-duncan www.soundcloud.com/breabach & receive instant download of 2 songs plus free entry to the album launch on 25 Feb at The Voodoo Rooms Available from: http://breabach.bandcamp.com iTunes + in stores http://amyduncan.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/Amy_Duncan www.breabach.com www.facebook.com/amy.duncan.music www.facebook.com/breabach https://soundcloud.com/amy-duncan www.twitter.com/breabach
EP cd / download Release Date: 12 February
Recorded over two stormy weeks in October at his childhood home in rural Scotland, Finn Anderson’s ‘Uncharted Lands’ EP is his most ambitious solo project to date. Straddling pop, rock and jazz, ‘Uncharted Lands’ fuses intricate and poetic lyrics, dynamic vocals and dramatic piano and orchestral arrangements. Listen/Watch: single ‘Hitchcock’ @ www.soundcloud.com/finnanderson/hitchcock video coming soon Available from: www.finnanderson.bandcamp.com Single ‘Hitchcock’ available on iTunes, Spotify + all major online stores www.finnanderson.co.uk https://twitter.com/Finn_Anderson www.facebook.com/finnandersonmusic
THE DEADLY WINTERS
UP CHRISTINE BOVILL
Table In The Corner
UPrising
Album cd Release Date: Out Now UP is a trio comprising guitar, double bass, drums and harmony vocals, based in East Lothian and Edinburgh. These are fine, experienced players, and the album (superbly engineered by Wayne Bell) gives a good crosssection of their eclectic live repertoire - early rock, jive, country, jazz, blues, traditional folk and skiffle pieces all come under a very broad umbrella - if it's fun they play it! Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hudarwZ0w0w https://youtu.be/pFsYipnuZdI https://youtu.be/IQ7jGLShZ0M https://youtu.be/IFy6Tz0knAY Available from: Direct from the band - email: up.band@btinternet.com or via facebook - album £10 + UK p&p £2.65. Payment via PayPal invoice, either by PayPal a/c or credit/debit card www.facebook.com/uncertaintyprincipleup
The Sentence That I Serve EP CD only (at present) Release Date: Out Now
Second release from singer songwriter Christine Bovill. A Roots affair, recorded with the Strange Blue Dreams, strirring in the tangle of Vintage Rock n Roll, Chanson and Americana. Both band and singer have spent years immersed in old blues, jazz, soul and country music and bring a naturally confident, risk taking flair that breathes new life into vintage pop forms. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/christine-bovill https://youtu.be/QoR9snXg0aU Available from: www.christinebovill.com www.christinebovill.com www.facebook.com/bovill.christine/ https://twitter.com/christinebovill www.facebook.com/ thestrangebluedreams
EP cd / download Release Date: 6 November
Armed with swagger, a thumping singalong chorus and a fervent holler, the title track of the EP is the band at their rousing, anthemic best. The rest of the EP doesn’t disappoint with the raucous anger of Liars, Liars, Liars, the jaunty tale of a war hero that is Sam Did Run and the epic, percussive Gone to Ground. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/the-deadly-winters/ table-in-the-corner-ep-preview Available from: www.thedeadlywinters.com/shop/ www.thedeadlywinters.com www.facebook.com/deadlywinters www.twitter.com/deadlywinters www.soundcloud.com/the-deadly-winters www.thedeadlywinters.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com/deadlywinters
page 30
music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download THE CUT THROAT RAZORS
RACHEL ALICE JOHNSON
Motown's Lost Its Soul
Open Angel
EP cd / download Release Date: 27 November
single download Release Date: 3 December
The Cut Throat Razors are an 11 piece band from Glasgow that have been filling the dancefloors across Scotland with their eclectic mix of self-penned songs with a thumping soul, ska, funk and blues vibe. The Cut Throat Razors won the prestigious Sunday Herald Best Unsigned Band Competition in 2014. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/thecutthroatrazors www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Uq_4XXJcU Available from: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/ www.amazon.co.uk www.thecutthroatrazors.com www.thecutthroatrazors.com https://twitter.com/cutthroatrazors www.facebook.com/thecutthroatrazors
The Scottish/New Zealand, Edinburgh College of Art student/singer-songwriter creates songs with an ethereal, pop, rock sound with her band. Inspired by artists such as Lana Del Rey and The Black Keys, Rachel and her band have defined their unique sound with some euphoric harmonics. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/rachyjohnson https://youtube.com/rachyjohnson
JOHNY CORRIGAN Down The Line Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Down The Line is the new album from Glasgow-born singer/ songwriter Johny Corrigan. It is the much-anticipated follow-up to Johny’s acclaimed debut Inchfad Drive, released in 2013. The album consists entirely of self-penned songs and Johny has recruited an impressive line-up of artists for the recording.
Available from: iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon mp3, Google Play, Available from: Deezer iTunes, Birnam CD Online Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon MP3, Google Play https://twitter.com/rachyjohnson https://facebook.com/RachelAliceJohnsonArts
www.birnamcd.com/promo-johny-corrigan/
GET YOUR NEW RELEASE LISTED! If you’d like your new release to be included in the MUSIC NEWS Scotland ‘New Release’ section and ALSO be in with a chance of being picked for the MNS Top 4 spot then send it to: New Releases, MUSIC NEWS Scotland, Romar House, Birgham, Berwickshire. TD12 4NF If only available as download then email link to musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Email (as above) information about your new release for our listings, which should be in the format below:
GET LISTED!
BAND NAME: Advertisers also get a 'boxed listing' Release Name: with artwork image album / ep / single: email Carol for details: cd / vinyl / download: - list all formats carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Release Date: Description: - 50 words approx Listen: - link to listen to your music Available from: - webshop, download, retail record shop your website/facebook/twitter
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD SHOP 'Record Store Day 2016' is on 16 April : www.recordstoreday.co.uk We encourage you to support independent record shops in Scotland : A selection of popular ones are below. If you run or have a favourite shop not listed please let us know and we'll happily include it.
Because this is linked to our 'new release' section we are only listing genuine high street retail shops who sell physical copies of new cds/records 'friendly face to friendly face' with their customers! Email your record shop details to be included below to: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Avalanche (Edinburgh) Grassmarket EH1 2HY : www.avalancherecords.co.uk Apollo Music (Paisley) Causeyside Street PA1 1YH : www.apollomusic.uk.com Barnstorm (Dumfries) Queensberry Street DG1 1BU : 01387 267894 Big Sparra Vinyl (Ayr) New Bridge Street : www.facebook.com/bigsparra Coda (Edinburgh) [trad/folk specialist] Bank Street EH1 2LN : www.codamusic.co.uk Concorde (Perth) Scott Street PH1 5EJ : www.concordemusic.com Europa (Stirling) Friars Street FK8 1HA : www.europamusic.co.uk Imperial (Inverness) Market Hall IV1 1PJ : www.imperial-music.com Love Music (Glasgow) Dundas Street G1 2AQ : www.lovemusicglasgow.com McAlister Matheson (Edinburgh) [classical] Grindlay St EH3 9AT : www.mmmusic.co.uk Monorail (Glasgow) King Street G1 5RB : www.monocafebar.com/index.php?pid=84 Ripping Records (Edinburgh) South Bridge EH1 1HN : www.rippingrecords.com
music news scotland
page 31
Read the latest MNS GIGguide @ http://bit.ly/mns-gigguide-may16-24
plus read MNS FESTIVALS! @ http://wp.me/P12d6v-21 ADVERTISE IN OUR 3 WEEKLY DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS
MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! For details email Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
Make sure we have your music festival listed, big or small email your information to musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
MNS
FESTIVAL Listings Following is our 'short' listings guide to forthcoming Scottish music festivals - see our comprehensive guide in our weekly FESTIVALS! publication @ http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/mns-digital-publication-links/
No matter how small or new your festival is we want to list it!! www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
Scottish Music Festivals to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
MAY Maidens of Music Dumfries Each May Saturday Maidens of Music kicks off this Saturday 7 May showcasing 60+ female artists, and it continues every Saturday in May, celebrating female musicians and inspiring those who have never performed to give it a go. The action will take place from 3-9pm at The Globe Inn / Music Room Courtyard in the middle of Dumfries town centre - with all proceeds going to local charities. The gigs are being organised by Carol Brotherston, founder of The Music Room in Dumfries. www.maidensofmusic.co.uk
Dunblane's historic Drying Green, its activities have ranged from an open stage for local young musicians, fire engines, space-hopper races and fire-eating jugglers, to the annual Rotary Club race for 4,000 plastic ducks down the Allan Water. Gradually a 'Fringe Fling' has developed, featuring over the years everything from ghost walks, pub quizzes, plays from the local Drama Group, master classes in everything from fiddling or mandolins to harmony singing or bodhran, and the now-annual Thursday Jazz Night.
the fourth consecutive year in 2016. Set to be bigger than ever before, the festival takes place over May Bank Holiday weekend
www.dunblanefling.com
Aberdeen’s oldest and original music, drama and dance Festival began life in 1909 and is still very much alive today. The Festival takes place each year in the first week of June, in halls throughout the city. All events are open to the public and audiences are warmly welcomed. The Festival adopts the motto of Sir Henry Walford Davies: “Not to gain a prize or defeat a rival but to pace one another on the road to excellence.”
Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Kirkcudbright 26-29 May
If you prefer a bigger festival in a smaller pot you are a Knockengorrocher! Join us beside the Southside Fringe glittering Water of Deugh beneath the broad Glasgow shoulders of southwest Scotland's great 13-29 May mountain peaks to celebrate some of the finest music from the Celtic diaspora and everywhere It’s an incredibly exciting time in the Southside in-between. The World Ceilidh melds together actively encouraging creativity and supporting the most ancient roots music with the latest local Southside talent. The ethos of the cutting edge sounds. This first truly backwoods Southside Fringe is very much ‘strength in upland music fest in Scotland hosts some of the numbers’ : the more facets of the community and local businesses who get involved the louder best musicians and performers from across the our voice and the bigger the Southside’s profile world. All are invited to journey over hill and dale by rock and stream to our natural will be on the festival map. greenfield auditorium and to our upland stage to experience the biggest little festival this side of www.southsidefringe.org.uk anywhere!
www.theelectricfrog.co.uk
Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music Festival Aberdeen 30 May - 3 June
http://aberdeenmusicfestival.com/
JUNE Brew at the Bog Inverness 3-4 June
Brew at the Bog is one of Scotland's most dynamic hidden gems, championing new and unsigned artists alongside craft beer, gin, cider, whisky, rum and prosecco bars! A two-day camping festival, Brew at the Bog is held at Bogbain Farm in Inverness, which was crowned Perth Festival of the Arts www.knockengorroch.org.uk "Best Unusual Venue" at the 2012 Scottish Event Perth Awards - the perfect setting for a festival that 19-29 May prides itself on championing the best of Orkney Folk Festival Scotland’s alternative scene. The lineup for 2016 Celebrate Perth Festival's 45th birthday in Perth Orkney includes a Mercury Music Prize nominee, Best 26-29 May Concert Hall, the Festival is one of the highlights Breakthrough Act at the Scottish Music Awards, in Scotland's cultural calendar. Perth Festival of Best Hip Hop Act AND Best Live Act at the Once again we have some big names coming the Arts is an annual 11 day May Festival, SAMAs, Best Up & Coming at the Scottish Trad founded in 1972, and taking place in the City of north to join in the fun in May, and from the Music Awards, a Radio 2 Awards nominee, and Perth in Scotland. It is now in its 45th Year and ceilidh bands to the almost indie strand, we have so it goes on! The festival for 2016 also features brought together a broad mix of artists that we is one of the oldest continuously running arts a programme of speakers, cinema, alternative hope appeals to everyone’s interpretation of the therapies and street food! Festivals in Scotland. increasingly expansive folk genre. As ever, our local traditions and musicians – both established www.brewatthebog.com www.perthfestival.co.uk and emerging – will be centre stage alongside those visiting the festival. You would be hard Dumfries & Galloway pushed to find another festival throughout the Portsoy Folk Festival : country that has such a strong home Arts Festival representation, and it is one that we are hugely “The 7th Haal” proud of. Dumfries and Galloway Portsoy 20-29 May 3-5 June www.orkneyfolkfestival.com Our 9-day festival has taken place since 1979. A weekend of songs, tunes, stories, poetry, The founding aim was to bring international dance, workshops and sessions to be held in and Reivers Rock performers of the highest quality to a region around Portsoy. containing many scattered rural communities and Blues Festival since then this region has produced some of its www.bothyfolk.org Alwinton (Northumberland) own talent of international standing and we’re 27-29 May proud to also be able to present these artistes Meadows Festival from time to time. We offer a wide range of Clennell Hall will be the venue for the Reivers Edinburgh events: music – including classical, jazz and folk, Rock and Blues Festival with a fantastic line up 4-5 June dance, theatre, literary, children’s events, plus the visual arts and films. Events take place in a of top name bands and artists from all corners of the UK. Clennell Hall is located in the Upper The days are getting longer, the wind is getting range of venues throughout the region, from large to small, formal to informal, urban to rural. Coquet Valley of Northumberland (just over the warmer, and the air is getting sweeter. Before Scottish border) near the village of Alwinton. you know it, the biggest volunteer-run outdoor Situated in it's own grounds, facilities include festival in Scotland will be upon us! The www.dgartsfestival.org.uk camping, bunk rooms, hotel rooms, fully Edinburgh Meadows Festival has been running licensed bars, restaurant and bar meals as well since 1974 and gets bigger and better with Doune & Dunblane Fling as hog roasts and snacks throughout the every year, with tens of thousands of revellers weekend. Dunblane gathering in the meadows to enjoy live music, 26-28 May games, stalls, and – if we’re lucky – a bit of www.facebook.com/reiversrock sunshine. Like many others, the Fling was conceived with the help of music and alcohol. It began as an www.meadowsfestival.org Riverside Festival idea at the Dunblane Folk Club, among a group Glasgow of people fond of music and fun. And so in May 28-29 May XpoNorth 1993 the first Fling happened. Since then the Inverness Fling has gone from strength to strength. The Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival 8-9 June Somewhere along the line the first 'Fling by the takes place on the banks of the river Clyde on River' began. Held each Fling Saturday on the grounds of the iconic Riverside Museum for XpoNorth Festival 2016 has announced their
..... lots more festival dates in our FESTIVALS! supplement read it @ http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/festivals/ music showcase line up of sixty six varied and exciting music acts that have been selected to perform live in Inverness to audiences lapping up all the creative industry goodness at this year's festival in June. The full line up was carefully selected by a jury of industry professionals and XpoNorth looks forward to welcoming a wealth of musical talent from near and far including partners Live at Heart in Sweden, EXCITE our European festival network and Trinidad & Tobago, as well as a multitude of Scotland-based talent performing all genres: with the introduction of an electronic stage this year.
Riverside Rock 2016 already have some fantastic bands signed up: The Men They Couldn’t Hang / The Lost Boys / Scocha (Back for a 3rd Year) / Blistered Molly (Back for a 2nd Year) / Greg Anderson (Back too for 2nd year) he rocked the tent at the end last year! Main tent headliner and other bands to be announced. As before Riverside Rock must not be missed, the Scottish Borders very own music festival at Riverside Park, Jedburgh, and 2016 will have more food outlets, more bars and a bigger tent. Tickets on sale soon!
www.xponorth.co.uk
North Hop Glasgow
Eden Festival
Glasgow 18-19 June
Raehills Meadows 9-12 June 2016
www.riversiderock.co.uk
There will be lots of great Scottish and guest breweries offering up a fine selection of craft Set in the stunning Raehill Meadows of Dumfries beers and ciders in the rustic Beer Hall, along Eden Festival is boutique festival, with over 250 with some tasty street food vendors, market acts performing across 9 stages, bringing you traders, live art, bands, and acoustic acts. live music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus skills, theatre, a children's area, fun and games http://northhop.co.uk/ and much more. Nominated for three awards in 2015.
Hebridean Celtic Festival Hebrides 13-16 July 2016 Fantastic four-day festival set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Outer Hebrides, featuring top quality music from around the Celtic nations and beyond. Stornoway and throughout Lewis and Harris. The cream of international folk and Celtic music have heaped praise on HebCeltl as it celebrated its 20th year in 2015 by hosting its biggest number of live performances ever. Award-winning artists who took part in this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival hailed it a huge success after bosses laid on new venues and returned to its roots for the showpiece event. www.hebceltfest.com
Tiree Music Festival Isle of Tiree 15-17 July
Tiree Music Festival (TMF) was formed in 2010 when Tiree musician Daniel Gillespie (Skerryvore) teamed up with school friend Glasgow Jazz Festival Stewart MacLennan with the radical idea of Glasgow holding an open-air festival on their local island www.facebook.com/theedenfestival 22 June - 3 July of Tiree. TMF is more than just attending a music festival – it is an island adventure. From Solus Glasgow Jazz Festival has announced a bumper the stunning sail or flight to the island of Tiree, The Bield at Blackruthven, Perthshire line-up to celebrate its 30th festival. With some camping next to the white sands of Crossapol 17-19 June of the biggest names in Jazz, the very finest of Bay or surfing at Balevullin beach, TMF is an Scotland’s homegrown talent, some of the most experience very few festivals in the world could Solas Festival is an allage arts festival held in well-known festival faces and an array of one-off compete with. Get your tickets quick, the early Perthshire from 17 to 19 June, with hip-hop, musical collaborations, the 30th festival birds sell out in hours - http://tireemusicfestival. electro loops and some of the finest folk and promises to be the very best yet! The festival co.uk/ticket-prices. roots music you’ll find in a Scottish field: a rich will take place in various venues across the city mix of traditions, talents and tastes. Expect an from Wednesday 22 June. The Glasgow Royal www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk unusual mix of art, music, theatre, comedy, Concert Hall, City Halls, The Old Fruitmarket, St debate and soul-searching. The programme also Luke’s and The Hug and Pint will all come alive Pandora Fest makes space for challenging debate with with the sound of jazz during the festival’s Duncarron activists, writers and thinkers from across the landmark 30th edition. 16 July political, cultural and religious spectrum. Solas Festival offers a creative and entertaining www.jazzfest.co.uk Pandorafest will be Scotland's first music festival programme for festival-goers of all ages in a that supports women musicians. In 2015 the safe environment. major festivals displayed a massive gender imbalance, of the 87 acts that were announced, www.solasfestival.co.uk 78 were all male, 3 were female and 6 were mixed groups - that was an 89.6% all male line Stonehaven Folk Festival Killin Music Festival up.* "As far as Scotland is concerned - this is Stonehaven Killin not okay" says Pandora Fest! Pandorafest will be 7-10 July 17-19 June a one day music festival packed full of live music 28th Stonehaven Folk Festival featuring a mix of from female singer/songwriters, women Killin Music Festival is returning to the festival some of the best in traditional and contemporary musicians and female fronted bands all playing calendar in June 2016. Run by a modern, music and song from Scotland and further afield. from 12noon-11pm. Pandorafest will be running energetic team, the festival will bring multiple 3 stages of live music across many genres, all A weekend of Concerts, ceilidh, workshops, headline talents to the stage in Killin. In our expertly woven into a line-up to keep you sessions, singarounds and fun with the Annual maiden year we will welcome Skipinnish, Trail entertained from start to finish. World Paper'n'Comb Championships and the West, BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Aqua Ceilidh. 2016 guests include Scott Wood Musician of the Year 2015 - Claire Hastings and Band, Saltfishforty, Daimh, Blazin'Fiddles, Tony www.pandorafest.com her band, Donald Black, the Scott Wood Band McManus and Artie Trezise. plus many more incredible artists to our stage. Killin Traditional Music and Dance Festival was www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk previously held back in the 90's which lasted until the early 2000's. It was a prime entry on the festival calendar and was much missed when T in the Park it fell by the wayside. Tickets are on sale now via Strathallan Castle, Perthshire our website www.killinmusicfestival.com and are 8-10 July selling fast!
JULY
www.killinmusicfestival.com
Riverside Rock Jedburgh 18 June
What more can we say! Scotland’s most widely known and respected festival, which always attracts the biggest names. Check out tickets availability at www.tinthepark.com/tickets.
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